Progress toward therapeutic application of interferons, 1979-1983.

Interferons differ chemically and biologically from other modalities of cancer treatment. They are proteins that inhibit viral replication, influence subcellular processes, slow cellular proliferation, affect cell differentiation, and modulate immune responses. These regulatory effects on cell function undoubtedly underlie the effects of interferons in malignant disease. As a result of efforts by academia, industry, governments, and organizations such as the American Cancer Society, significant progress has been made over the past 5 years in elucidating structure, improving production, and defining clinical applications of interferons for both virus and malignant disease.